OpenStint

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Supported SDR Hardware ​

OpenStint works best with HackRF One and RTL-SDR v4. RTL-SDR v3 is also supported, but not recommended.

I recommend RTL-SDR v4 due to its price/performance ratio.

To learn more how SDR works, watch Andreas Spiess explaining it.

HackRF One vs RTL-SDR? ​

The HackRF One has lower noise, better thermal performance, similar dynamic range and a 3x-10x pricetag. Pick the RTL-SDR v4, unless you're a radio nerd with some money to spend.

If you build a track with a permament loop and decoder, consider the HackRF One due to it's better thermal management (more likely survives an installation in an enclosed electrical box).

HackRF One ​

HackRF One is an open-source radio. The orignal is manufactured by Great Scott Gadgets, and costs $330. Clones around $130 exists. I have successfuly tested one from Opensourcesdr Labs and Circet. Tips:

  • prefer the "clifford version", as it has extra input protection
  • do not purchase a portapack, as it is useless for laptiming application
  • bare PCBs (w/o housing) are cheaper options which might worth considering

RTL-SDR v4 ​

Prefer the "original" RTL-SDR Blog v4. Thermal management is a known painpoint of these devices, and not every manufacturer is up to this challenge.

Right now, the V4 is out of stock. If you can, wait for V4L, it's expected 2026 summer. If you buy an off-brand, and it's overheating (it's not a neccessity, many manufacturer can indeed use the thermal paste and aluminium blocks), just attach a fan. Being hot is the normal operation, you have to just take some of that heat away occasionally.

RTL-SDR v3 ​

These devices do not have internal amplifiers for the required frequency range, you have to also buy external amplifiers/attenuators.

In direct sampling mode,

  • it's ca. 3 dB more sensitive than the v4. If you use V4 it with "-g 20" settings, you need a 3 dB attenuator to get the same results.
  • to use with an NE592-based "loop antenna amplifier", you need 20..30 dB attenuator with gain turned to minimum to get the same results.
  • the openstint-preamp is not usable, it detects the transponder from like 2 m away the loop; as it's bias-tee powered, you can not add attenuators